PLATELET PARAMETERS IN AGED NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETICS

Platelet parameters (number, platelet hematocrit, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width) have been studied in 196 Type II elderly diabetics as well as in 90 sex- and age-matched controls. The diabetics were divided in two groups on the basis of the presence or absence of macroangiopathy diagnosed clinically and/or by Doppler flowmetry. The mean platelet volume proved to be larger in the macroangiopathic diabetics than in controls, whereas no differences were found between diabetics without established macroangiopathy and the controls. The results can be explained by supposing an enhanced peripheral platelet consumption in the vasculopathic diabetics, inducing an increase of the portion of circulating young large platelets.